Photo Credit: Our very own Shaylah Rice
Lehigh Valley Phantoms Head Coach in Ian Laperrière said of Morgan Frost, “He (Morgan Frost) was physical,” Laperrière said. “I just talked to him before I got up here and he felt great. He was a little bit tired, like I gave him quite a bit of ice-time, which I wanted to test him in different situations I would like to see him in, and management would like to see him too. I thought he looked great…He’s such a smart player, he can adjust. I’m just happy for him that he put the work in.”
For his efforts, Frost was rewarded with a new two-year contract worth $4.2 million ($2.1 million AAV). This was a great deal for both Frost and Flyers. He didn’t want to miss one day of camp, thus getting on the bad side of John Tortorella. However, he was benched again this past Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This happens to be the 11th benching for Frost this season.
Frost will return to the lineup today against the Calgary Flames, and he has taken his benching in his own hands. Yesterday following practice, Flyers head coach John Tortorella said that Morgan Frost wanted to have a meeting with him, as to exactly why he was/is constantly getting benched. Tortorella was thrilled that Frost came to his office and wanted to have a meeting, “I met with Frosty today. It’s a big step for Frosty. He came to me for a meeting,” Tortorella said. “Today was a good honest conversation of what’s happening now, and kind of big picture stuff. I was thrilled he wanted to come in. He gave me some of his thoughts.”
This is great to hear, the two are hashing it out like men. Tortorella can appear to be scary at times, so I give Frost a lot of credit for having the guts to go talk to his coach about seeing what he needs to improve to stay in the lineup. Frost and Tortola didn’t complain to the media about one another, this is a way to get to know each other better, and let both know where each side stands.
Frost has had consistency problems and timing issues throughout his NHL career, mainly due to missing time with an injury. However, that was then and last season Frost amassed 46 points in 81 games played (19g,27a). He was consistent, for the most part, and really showed promise for this young rebuilding Flyers team. Frost is arguably one of the most talented forwards the Flyers have at this time. He can make something out of nothing, as he has good on-ice awareness. Frost has a ton of skill, and his hands remind of Claude Giroux’s with the way he razzles and passes the puck.
The good thing is, Frost should gain much confidence after having this meeting with Tortorella. Maybe this will be a confidence booster for this young man and he rightfully needs one. This does not mean this is the end of the road for Frost, this can only help him moving forward within the organization.
Maybe this will help him become more loose and confident. His play making ability has always been there, his defensive side of the park is improved greatly this season, as well. One thing that has lacked is consistency. A player with frost talents should be noticed just about every game, and that hasn’t been the case this season. Maybe he’s putting too much pressure on himself, maybe he’s scared to make a mistake. Whatever the case may be, both Tortorella and Frost have cleared the air, and that is a good thing.
One area that John Tortorella has excelled at is communication with the youth. One area that Tortorella, exclaimed before the game against Carolina on Tuesday night was that he wanted Frost to play with more pace. Especially, with a very fast team in the Carolina Hurricanes. This was one main reason he was re-inserted into the lineup.
Frost is a young player that is supposed to have top six abilities. Former Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher originally said he didn’t want Frost to be a yo-yo, and if he was recalled to the Flyers then Frost would be up for good. Well, well, well, he was treated like a yo-yo at times in 2021-22, so much for that. In hindsight what it did was give Frost more experience, and that’s something that Frost didn’t take lightly, “Obviously, there’s highs and lows during the season where maybe you’re not really sure if you feel that way, but I think towards the end of the year, definitely I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable,” said Frost. “I think at this point, I can say I feel confident saying I feel like an NHL player
Cam Atkinson
Atkinson took his benching on the chin, and he understands exactly why he was benched against the Columbus Blue Jackets this past Thursday night, “Torts and I have a long relationship. I take full ownership. I’ve been in the league a long time, and I know when I’m on top of my game and when I’m not. Scratching deservedly so, I need to get back to the demanding and wanting the puck,” Atkinson said following practice yesterday.
This is who Atkinson, as described in the previous article yesterday following the benching. There was never a doubt in mind that Atkinson was going to take this on the chin. He will become a better player because of such.
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